Young Americans' trust in government plummets to record lows Gallup data shows

A recent analysis by Financial Times based on Gallup data reveals a dramatic decline in young Americans' confidence in their government, marking one of the lowest levels of trust in any wealthy nation. Gallup’s surveys, conducted with 70,000 people globally in 2023-2024, show that fewer than one-third of Americans under 30 trust their government.

In addition, a record high of 31% of young Americans feel they lack freedom in choosing their life path, a figure worse than most other affluent nations, except for Greece and Italy. Experts point to growing political polarization as a key factor in this decline, anticipating even lower trust levels in future surveys.

Many young Americans are disillusioned with political figures, with individuals like 25-year-old PhD student Connor Brennan expressing scepticism about the political landscape. The Gallup data also highlights a sharp rise in distrust of the U.S. judicial system and police among youth, further deepening the sense of disconnection. 22-year-old Daniel Quezada, a substitute teacher in Arkansas, voiced profound distrust in both the government and law enforcement, citing his experiences during protests in 2020.

Globally, dissatisfaction among young people is most pronounced in Greece and Italy, while Nordic countries like Finland, Denmark, and Norway perform better. The data also highlights significant mental health challenges, with 61% of U.S. youth reporting high stress levels, the third highest among advanced economies. This is mirrored by increasing emergency room visits for self-harm, especially among those aged 10-29, a demographic experiencing a surge in mental health issues.

Several factors contribute to this decline in well-being, including political division, a challenging job market, high living costs, and barriers to homeownership. Economists, like Haifang Huang, note that the effects of the 2008 financial crisis, rising inequality, and the cost of housing play a significant role in young people's struggles. Social psychologists, such as Jonathan Haidt, attribute much of the crisis to the rise of smartphones, social media, and addictive online gaming, which have led to increased anxiety and isolation.

Despite a generally favourable economic outlook for younger Americans, some, like Misha Newbold, express concerns about inflation, wealth inequality, and cuts to government agencies. With many uncertain about the future, these trends suggest a generation increasingly disconnected from their political institutions and struggling to find a path forward.

By Vugar Khalilov